The Igwe elect of Ogugu Ntu-egbenese Ancient Kingdom in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Chief Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna Jnr., has extolled the Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for his tremendous contributions towards national development.
Chief Ogbonna made this known on Sunday when he paid a courtesy call to the Deputy Speaker, who has been his longtime friend from South Africa at his country home in Agbamuzu in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
He stated that Rt. Hon. Kalu has been one of the voices of the Igbo people in the National Assembly since he became a member in 2019, before emerging as the Deputy Speaker in 2023. He has always advocated for peace and unity.
Chief Ogbonna commended Kalu’s efforts in the smooth establishment of the South East Development Commission, an agency he said will significantly aid the development of the region.
The Monarch-elect also used the opportunity to call on the lawmaker for Federal Government interventions in the Ogugu community, especially in the areas of agriculture and road infrastructure.
Chief Ogbonna praised Hon. Kalu’s impact in curbing insecurity in the South East through the Peace in the South East Project (PISE), which he convenes, noting that the initiative has been using non-kinetic means to resolve insecurity in the South East Region of Nigeria.
He also lauded Hon. Kalu’s other nation-building activities, particularly his commendable results when he led the Sudan Darfur Project in Australia for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, focusing on fundraising and providing orientation for refugees.
According to him,
“I am here on behalf of my people to commend your outstanding efforts in nation-building, especially in our region. You have been one of the voices that speak for our people in the National Assembly, which has greatly helped in actualizing the establishment of the South East Development Commission. On behalf of my people, I also want to request that you include us in your programs, especially in agriculture and other key areas.”
“Ogugu Ntu-egbenese Ancient Kingdom is open for partnership, and we have confidence in your ability to render assistance to us.”
Responding to the monarch, the Deputy Speaker congratulated him on his victory during the traditional rulership election held in his community, which has ended the 24-year leadership vacuum in his land.
He also reiterated his commitment to providing quality leadership at the National Assembly.
He used the opportunity to call on all to support the administration of President Ahmed Bolaji Tinubu, who he said will transform the nation to greater heights.
He also commended South Easterners for shunning the planned national protest, saying that all the issues raised are currently being addressed by the Federal Government.
